Zenit 15m

[themoleman342]

I just bought the Zenit 15m camera along with a helios 44m-?(Probably 6) and a Mir 1V. Plus it comes with one of those fancy Russian bakelite cases. The whole bundle was $40. Maybe not the best deal I've gotten but it has been getting really difficult to get the Mir alone for less than that. Anyways here is some information on the camera: According to Princelle it was a copy of KMZ's 12sd model just under some redesigned ABS plastic. Production figures are not availible but by the looks of it it was only produced for one year, 1995. The last link makes several assumptions that, from what I can gather, are not very true. The shape is unique so it may not be be a "throw-together" model.

http://www.ussrphoto.com/wiki/default.asp?ImageID=710&ParentID=1&WikiCatID=73&ContentID=234

http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?797302526

http://www.commiecameras.com/sov/35mmsinglelensreflexcameras/cameras/zenit/index.htm

[Poolhall]

Quite a rare find especially if its got the 1-1000 shutter speed, otherwise its basically a plastic Belomo Zenit 12- not that its a bad thing, to me the plastic zenits from Belomo are often smoother and less clunky than the metal ones. I have a Zenit 21xs which is, to me, identical in shape to yours, but has the same 30-500 speeds as the Zenit 12. I would agree the Helios is likely a 44m-6 but could be a -4 -5 or -7 as well, my 21xs should have a 44m-7, according to its documents, but alas came body only. It has a Zenitar 50/1.7 from a Zenit 19 here


not the best pics but gives you the idea

[GrahamNR17]

There is something very satisfying about these cameras. They feel big and chunky and bomb-proof. Mind you, next to most dSLR cameras, they feel quite small

[themoleman342]

Unfortunately it is not the 15m prototype with the expanded shutter speeds. I normally stayed away from Belomo-make zenits, as the KMZ ones are considered a bit 'better' (small things like glue for the shutter curtains being stronger), but from what I've read recently if you get a good one they can be a really reliable camera. One member in another forum found his smoothest zenit was actually a Belomo.

I'm really anxious to see what helios it turns out to be. I would rather it not be the 44m-6. When I made a trade with forum member Shad, he generously included this lens in the box, and I'd like to have a little comparative shootout with the various versions that I have.

@Graham - Clunky Yes! Big, I don't know if I'd agree with you there. As far as I know they are one of the smallest m42 mount cameras, only bested by the fujica and a small portion of the cosina/vivitar line. The older zenits may feel bigger since they are quite heavy and not ergonomic in the least (with the case attached they are much much better). The newer plastic ones have a nice overall feel and are quite tiny. Just my opinion though.

[GrahamNR17]

[themoleman342]

[Poolhall]

Thats how I started collecting Zenits, every time I bought a Russian lens it had a Zenit attached, so I tried to get at least 1 of every variety, including the M39 and K mount. Still trying too.....

[martinsmith99]

[Poolhall]

I might well be interested in that Martin, I can always use a body for spares, is it black or silver? not that it matters really.

[martinsmith99]

It's black and has a fairly good ERC.

If interested, PM your address to me.

[Poolhall]

Have done so thanks